Beyond

Chapter 6

Jesse

I took a deep breath before knocking on his door three times and opening it just as Lou instructed me. I could handle taking a few punches since I got one of those back in the day, during my spar with Ricky, and even during some fights with our enemies. I'm an experienced street fighter. I could do this.

When I entered, he had a paper in his hand, deeply focused on it. I cleared my throat as my heart beat fast. "You called for me?" I asked him nervously.

"Have a seat," he said.

I took the seat farthest from him, but my decision failed when he stood up. My eyes followed every stride he took. He removed his glasses, and the world seemed to be in slow motion as he walked towards me with his black shirt hugging his toned body. It is as if it's made for him and him only.

I looked away before he noticed me gawking at him. I thought he was going to start beating me up, but he took a seat in front of me and crossed his arms. "Why are you staying at the servant's quarter?"

"...I-I think it's more comfortable."

He huffed. "Really?" he asked in a doubting tone and with a hint of sarcasm.

"Y-Yes,"

He raised one of his brows, clearly not buying what I said. Silence filled the room as we both looked into each other's eyes. I was the first one to break away because I felt intimidated. Once I recovered, our eyes met the second time. "Really?" he asked again.

I sighed in defeat. My heart raced, feeling his intense gaze towards me. "W-Weren't you testing me...?" I muttered, looking down when I felt my cheeks heating up.

"Why would I test you?"

I started to play with my hands, trying to gather my thoughts before telling him. "You are a Dusk. What's the catch? Why are you helping me when you could literally leave me on the streets?" I sighed. "I don't really want to owe you anything."

"I promised to help you, didn't I?"

"But there's got to be something in exchange," I said, meeting his red eyes.

"There's nothing in exchange," he said. I stared at him, trying to find a hint of a lie behind what he said. His tone was genuine and gentle, and his eyes didn't give off the vibe of someone who has hidden intentions. This time, he's the one who broke the eye contact first. He cleared his throat. "Go back to that room. You are my guest here, so don't stay at the servant's quarter."

So I really am a guest here like Anna said. Does that mean he's not going to hurt me? I don't know why, but somehow, my heart felt relieved. "If you say so..."

"If there isn't anything you need, you may go," Payne said. "Have a good night's rest."

I nodded before standing up. I could feel his gaze at the back of my head as I walked towards the door.

"I'll see you at breakfast," Payne said. I looked back, seeing him giving me a soft smile. My breath hitched, and my heart went wild. I could only nod in a daze before heading outside the door and dashed back towards the room that Lou first showed me.

I stared at the ceiling with countless thoughts running through my mind. The people back at the Sanctuary probably thought that I was already dead. However, I hope the knights and the ladies are fine and managed to make it back safely. With a sigh, I got out of bed and opened one of the closets, taking a coat and layering it with my clothes.

The best way to free one's mind is to go for a walk, so I'm doing that.

A cold breeze passed by me as I wandered around the dead garden. When I walked past the fountain, there was a splash that came from the other side. I went towards the source of the sound, and a pond full of fish greeted me.